Stepping over to the railing, she stood for hours watching the Talonians as they went through their day. Tomorrow she would join them. She paid close attention to everything they did in hopes of sliding into their rhythms seamlessly. Her one regret would be that she couldn't transform and fly.
Upon her return, Michelle found her still standing at the railing. "How long have you been out here? You're trembling from fatigue. Let's get you inside and have a drink or something."
"I'll be fine. I was just studying the workings of Talonia. Tae came by and told me the king has ordered me to assimilate, and I want to get it right," Eveline explained.
"I heard all about it from Kelan. Congratulations on becoming a member of our society. But, stop obsessing over assimilating. Except for their greater strength and ability to transform into dragons, Talonians aren't so different from humans. They share the same feelings, worries, longings, and needs as we do. They care for their families, work diligently, and enjoy good food."
"They go to battle on foreign planets, fly, and breathe fire," Eveline argued.
"They have to let out their stress somehow," Michelle joked.
"How does it feel to fly across the sky on Kelan's back? Are you afraid?"
"It's the most exhilarating feeling I've ever had. I was frightened at first, but the fear disappeared the instant I opened my eyes and looked around. I trust Kelan to keep me safe, so it's easy to just let go and revel in the wonder of it all. Even in dragon form, he's still my soulmate. It's impossible to describe exactly how it feels. You'll need to try it for yourself," Michelle concluded.
"I don't have a soulmate to take me on a fanciful journey. However, I do have a job now and a place to live. Tae is coming for me soon. I will miss you all so much, but I need to make my own life. Promise you won't forget me?" Eveline begged.
"I'll see you all the time. I pass the school daily, and you can come to dinner often. You're allowed company in your new quarters as well. I'm sure Tae will be there a lot, despite his duties. Have you packed?"
Eveline confided, "I don't really have anything to pack. It will only take a second to grab the nightclothes and extra outfit you gave me."
"That won't do. A girl needs clothes and shoes. Let's go look through my stuff. I have more than enough and can give you some. Once you start earning money, we'll go on a shopping spree. The teachers wear a uniform, so I bet the king will have provided some for you in your quarters. They consist of simple black leggings and a bright, belted tunic. They are comfortable and easy to clean, since you'll be spending many of your days outside with messy kids," Michelle told her.
"If that's the case, I won't take more of your clothes. The uniforms will work for the day and the two sets of clothes you've already given me will do for evenings. You've been generous enough to me," Eveline commented.
"You at least need some things for your times with Tae. If you want to swim under the waterfall, you'll need a bathing suit. Unless you intend to skinny dip with him," Michelle teased.
Eveline didn't reply. It sounded like an excellent idea to her.
